Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 238

Chapter 238

It takes me a while to realize I'm in Zaid's bed when I first open my eyes to the

morning

sun.

His arms are wrapped around my waist, our legs tangled together like we fell asleep like that and never wanted to separate. His chest rises and falls behind my back, his breath

warm on my neck.

My body shivers and I try to hold back the laugh that wants to bubble from my chest. I'm grinning like an idiot, though.

My heart takes on an odd beat in my chest. Maybe I don't have to leave. Maybe I don't

have to go to Florence with my aunt.

Because what if what I'm looking for is already here?

I turn slowly, careful not to wake him, and look at him. He has this crease between his brows even in sleep, like there's always something weighing on him in his thoughts. His lips are parted slightly, and I swear I could spend the rest of my day looking at him.

Memorizing his features.

I lean forward and kiss the corner of his mouth, not able to help myself. His brow twitches and my smile widens. I kiss him again.

He stirs, his eyes fluttering open, heavy with sleep. A sleepy smile curves his lips.

"Did you just kiss me?" he asks, voice rough with sleep.

I giggle, turning to lie on my stomach as I set my arms on his chest, propping my chin. "Maybe."

He smiles down at me. "Morning."

"Morning," I whisper back.

He leans in and kisses me again, unhurried. And for a few heartbeats, there's nothing but the warmth of his mouth and the way his hands find my waist beneath the sheets.

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3:04 am SnD

Chapter 238

I keep catching myself smiling. The kind of smile that creeps up without permission, the

someone happy.

have been only a handful of times where I've felt like that since my dad and Alex passed away. But

playing low. He's humming softly, and I can't stop staring at him. He's only wearing pants, and it's the best knowing that he feels comfortable

always been

counter, and I glance at

official. Italy, here we come! June 4th.

ago, I was content with the thought of staying here

stomach flips, twisting around itself. I stare

comfort I felt this morning now clouded by

places the coffee in front of me, his eyes swinging from me to my phone and back at me. "Is

lips together as I grab the mug. "Elena just texted

He raises an eyebrow and takes a

the information for the trip. We

tightening around the

smile falters for just a second. A flash of sadness in his

it. But I

back and nods softly. "That's good. It's soon, but

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Chapter 238

can't help it. The words tumble out before I even fully form them. "You could

is resting on the edge of the counter, and I see the way his fingers curl slightly before he inhales and turns to face me. His expression is gentle, but firm.

inside me

out, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger

he says quietly. "God, I want to. But I have things I need to figure out too. Parts of me I still have to face. And I'm sure your aunt would have invited me too

I was feeling from last night crumples

steps closer, pressing his forehead to mine. "Trust me, love, if

is nothing compared to the rest

throat rising. "But what if it changes? What if we

change. That's the point. You're going there to grow. To find yourself. I want that for you. I want you to come back knowing, loving yourself more

at him, my heart a

if you don't want me anymore?"

with that aching, honest kind of